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Global Smoking Rates Show Stagnation Despite WHO measures, Advocates Push for Harm Reduction Strategies
A recent report highlights a important disparity in smoking reduction rates globally, suggesting that countries prioritizing Tobacco Harm Reduction (THR) are achieving more considerable declines than those strictly adhering to the World Health Institution’s (WHO) MPOWER measures. Nations like the United Kingdom, Japan, New Zealand, the United States, and Canada, which have embraced THR through the adoption of vaping and other lower-risk alternatives, are reportedly experiencing more pronounced drops in smoking prevalence. In contrast, countries like Thailand, India, and Mauritius, which have focused primarily on MPOWER measures, are seeing only marginal decreases in smoking rates.
The report underscores the persistent global burden of smoking, with over one billion people still smoking worldwide, more than half of whom reside in Asia. Smoking is linked to over 8.7 million deaths annually and incurs nearly $2 trillion in economic costs.The findings advocate for a shift away from abstinence-only approaches, urging the adoption of practical, evidence-based strategies to combat this public health crisis.
“tobacco harm reduction must be central to any meaningful effort to reduce the health and economic toll of smoking,” stated Nancy Loucas, CAPHRA Executive Coordinator. “This is not about ideology. It is about using the full scope of tools available under the FCTC to save lives, especially in regions like Asia where the burden remains highest.”
Furthermore,the report criticizes the alleged misuse of Article 5.3 of the WHO Framework Convention on Tobacco Control (FCTC), which has reportedly been used to exclude THR consumer advocates from policy discussions. It calls for a more inclusive, rights-based approach to policymaking that incorporates the perspectives and needs of individuals who smoke and vape.
The CAPHRA Shadow Report encourages WHO FCTC member states to acknowledge that THR is both scientifically supported and aligned with human rights principles. this assertion is backed by findings from prominent institutions such as Public Health England, the UK Royal college of Physicians, and the US National academies, all of which have confirmed that non-combustible alternatives pose considerably lower risks compared to traditional cigarettes.
“This is a call to action,” the report emphasizes. “We must replace moralistic dogma with practical solutions. It is time to make smoking – the deadliest form of tobacco use – public enemy number one, and to deploy harm reduction as a frontline strategy.” An executive summary of the report is available.
Contact:
N.E Loucas
neloucas@caphraorg.net
WhatsApp: 64 0272348463
www.caphra
